Abstract
This chapter presents research exploring the relationship between the education and training system, especially vocational education, and innovation in three sectors: mining, solar energy and computer games. Although we are aware that there is a relationship between skills development systems and patterns of innovation in industry, few details are known. Our cases were selected to illuminate the range from a stable sector with strong linkages to VET (mining), to a sector selling novel products but based on a stable knowledge base (solar energy), to a sector with a new and rapidly changing knowledge base (computer games). Our analysis was predominantly based on 66 interviews but also used available statistics and research literature. A key finding is that each of the three sectors had quite different skill development dynamics, largely driven by the sector’s commercial imperatives. Firms require a specific set of skills and structure their skills for innovation around firm organisation and processes. In the three sectors we examined we saw little evidence of individuals possessing generic ‘innovation skills’. The actual skills used in innovation by individuals were typically learnt on the job, but based on what was learnt formally. From the point of view of innovation we conclude that the formal education and training system (especially VET) should focus on providing people with the core skills for their vocation and the ability to learn and adapt.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Fostering Enterprise: The Innovation And Skills Nexus – Research Readings |
Editors | Penelope Curtin, John Stanwick, Francesca Beddie |
Place of Publication | Adelaide, S.Aust. |
Publisher | NCVER |
Pages | 144-157 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781921809835 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781921809842 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |